The Reach of His Message
Words that shape lives
Words carry weight. The right words can lift a person up, steady them, and help them change. No one has spoken with more force than Jesus Christ. A listener who heard the Sermon on the Mount later described how people reacted.
“Now when Jesus finished these sayings, the effect was that the crowds were astounded at his way of teaching.” (Matthew, 7, 28)
Even today, many of Jesus’ sayings are known around the world. A few short lines still stand out because they carry clear meaning.
- “You cannot slave for God and for riches.” (Matthew, 6, 24)
- “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.” (Matthew, 7, 12)
- “Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Matthew, 22, 21)
- “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts, 20, 35)
Why his message still reaches people
Jesus did more than speak memorable words. His message carried real power because it told the truth about God, showed people how to find purpose, and pointed to the answer to human suffering, God’s Kingdom. As we look at that message in the pages ahead, it becomes clear why Jesus still holds millions of hearts and minds with a gentle grip.
What Jesus Said About Himself
‘Jesus had no doubt at all about who he was, where he came from, why he entered our world, and what lay ahead for him.’ (writer, Daniel Harrow)
Before we can trust what Jesus taught, we need a clear view of who he is. The Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record his own words, so we can hear how he described his origin, his role, and his mission.
He Lived Before He Was Born on Earth
Jesus said he existed long before his human birth. He pointed back to a time before the patriarch Abraham.
‘Before Abraham came into existence, I have been.’ (John, 8, 58)
Abraham lived about 2,000 years before Jesus was born on earth. Jesus also explained where he had lived before coming here.
‘I have come down from heaven.’ (John, 6, 38)
The Only-Begotten Son of God
Jehovah has many angelic sons, but Jesus spoke of himself as different from all the rest. He used a title that shows a one-of-a-kind relationship with God.
‘the only-begotten Son of God’. (John, 3, 18)
This wording points to Jesus as God’s only direct creation. Through him, God brought everything else into existence.
‘Because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him.’ (Colossians, 1, 16)
“The Son of Man”
Jesus most often called himself “the Son of Man”. By using this name, he showed he was not a materialised angel and not an incarnation. He lived as a real human.
God used his holy spirit to transfer his Son’s life from heaven to earth. This led to conception in the womb of the virgin Mary. Jesus was then born as a perfect man, without sin.
‘But the birth of Jesus Christ took place this way. His mother, Mary, was promised in marriage to Joseph, but before they were united, she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit.’ (Matthew, 1, 18)
‘In answer the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. For that reason also, the one who is born will be called holy, God’s Son.’ (Luke, 1, 35)
‘Who of you convicts me of sin?’ (John, 8, 46)
The Promised Messiah
Jesus also made clear that he was the promised Messiah. When a Samaritan woman spoke about the coming Messiah, Jesus told her directly who he was.
‘I know that Messiah is coming.’ (John, 4, 25)
‘Jesus said to her, “I who am speaking to you am he.” (John, 4, 26)
The term “Messiah”, like “Christ”, means “Anointed One”. Jesus was chosen by God for a special assignment connected with God’s promises.
His Main Work
Jesus helped people in many ways, but he kept his focus on one main job, teaching about God’s Kingdom. He said this work was the reason he had been sent.
‘Also to other cities I must declare the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this I was sent.’ (Luke, 4, 43)
Jesus was not an ordinary man. His life in heaven gave extra weight to what he said on earth. That is why his message about the Kingdom of God has reached millions of people worldwide.
